Written Answers Nos. 341-348
341. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE did not alert the families of patients assessed by an individual (details supplied); if the HSE had serious concerns with the individual's qualifications; when the concerns that the HSE had with the individual's qualifications were first noted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14412/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
342. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if patients assessed by an individual (details supplied) named in a television programme will have to be reassessed; if their access to services will be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14413/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
343. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a case (details supplied) and when the person concerned can expect an appointment at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. [14422/23]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
344. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will review the funding that is provided to meals on wheels services and consider increasing their allocated funding, given they provide invaluable services to communities and are urgently in need of more support. [14423/23]
View answerWe are committed to the development of improved community and home-based services, shifting care to home and offering greater choice for older people. This year a wide range of core services will be provided for older persons including home support, day care, dementia day care and meals on wheels in partnership with voluntary groups and intermediate care as well as long-stay residential care when remaining at home is no longer feasible. In Budget 2023 I secured an additional €1.75 million for the meals on wheels service.
As this is an operational matter, I have referred your query to the HSE for direct reply to you.
345. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 23 February 2023, when his Department will issue a reply, given all other Departments have responded in full to the question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14431/23]
View answerAs indicated in the initial response to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 23 February 2023, the material requested was not immediately available. A request to submit all research activity was issued to the Department and the relevant material which was returned is included in the attached document.
346. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on an application by a person (details supplied); and if the decision will be expedited. [14444/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
347. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to include ileostomy bags in the long-term illness scheme. [14456/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Good s) Act 2013.
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the Scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
The HSE have confirmed that ileostomy bags are not reimbursable under the Core Lists for any of the specified illnesses on the LTI Scheme. My Department is currently examining all of the issues around the scope of the Scheme.
However, ileostomy bags are available under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS).
Under the DPS, no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines/medical items. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing medical expenditure.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the GMS Scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
348. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if Traveller health care workers employed by Section 39 agencies will be eligible to receive the pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14460/23]
View answerLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
- Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
- Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
- Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
- Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens, provided important services during this most difficult time. While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment.
In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. As of February this year, there is also a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.
